Manipur University clean recruitment

Free Thinker *

Within a few months many recruitments are going to take place for Manipur University; it includes a good number of Junior Professors and also a VC. The normal perception of the laity is that malpractices and manipulations matter a lot in our recruitments and appointments of government jobs all over without the exception of Manipur. We can't change the general perception of the public.

However, if we really want to tweak upon the public mentally, we need to do something drastic and incredible; for instance, giving employment to the poorest and powerless without compromising the quality. Can we do it?

Many taunt me that “you are living in a fool’s paradise - talking and promoting a non-corruptible merit-based system is out of question”. They often say that “we can at the most urge upon the concerned authorities for a clean recruitment process as far as possible”.

Even if money is not involved in such appointments, certainly there will scope for influence, nepotism and favoritism. Then I retorted, “is there any government of any system in the world which is free from corruption and manipulation? They all kept quiet. One murmurs; it is a matter of degree and magnitude.

A very close friend of mine - who knows me ins and out; who knows all my secrets including my past & present girl friends and all my old & new intoxicating habits, put me under pressure that I must somehow get his spouse fixed in the University - by hook or by crook. I simply told him that instead of bribing the boss, it is always better to encourage him to do justice to the system.

His spouse has the requisite qualification and she is perhaps the most deserving candidate with excellent experience from creditable institutions. Still my friend is not convinced – “here nobody does things in the way you think – nothing moves without bundles of Gandhiji” – he blasted.

In my life I had never given money for a favor - but once - that too under tremendous pressure from my sister. For my own cause I never gave bribes; but I often pay gratitude gifts and humble offerings for good deeds. If I present a gift after the work is done, it should not be construed as a bribe. This is a beautiful gesture of saying thanks.

One notoriously frustrated with the system blurts that the price of an Assistant Professor is 40 to 50 lacs. If you don't pay somebody will snatch away the job. If it is direct only 30. If it is through the middle man or intermediary 40-50.

They are uttering such nonsense as if they are running the system, covertly. Frankly speaking they actually don’t know what really transpires inside the MU matrix. All these gossips are based on hearsay.

One retired Professor said, corruption is everywhere; but in the academic realm it is less - except for some allegations of partiality or favoritism. Obviously favoring their own product is not unacceptable. It happens in almost all the Universities. Delhi University loves their products; likewise, JNU prefers their products to others.

One may not agree with my line of thinking; but it is a reality. If a research scholar/student works for the University Day and night - his/her dedication for the department is remarkable – that kind of commitment can’t be ignored easily. They are so much attached to the institution that they even come on holidays.

The airy wind of Canchipur, the familiar cute potholes, the green bushes, the smelly toilets, the friendly guards around ‘A Block’, the aroma of ‘singju, ‘bora’ and floating ‘pakoura’ with ‘mangan’, gossiping friends and faculties. Hostellers are lucky to be always around in such an environment and ambiance.

Manipur University is open to the world particularly to the citizens of the country and more specifically to the youths of the State. I still believe that many youngsters of different ethnic groups are still studying in the University. Those missing may kindly be inducted or re-inducted in no time (with all possible relaxations) – they are part and parcel of the institution – without them, our University looks incomplete.

Mind you, I am a little biased about Manipur University. You may not be aware of the fact that the teaching faculties of this University consists of gold medalists and scholars having excellent academic records.

I am not exaggerating – when you interact with the faculty members you can just find out – they normally don’t disclose. Our professors and teachers wherever they go for training, lecture, workshop, seminar, interview, or orientation program – they always do some unforgettable academic somersaults.

For instance, in a national seminar of scientists – one from Manipur who retired as MP started his rendering as - “I am God”. The Scientific community roared into laughter as the subject of the seminar was “The Existence of God”.

Preference may be given to the poor and deserving; a bit of nepotism and favoritism may be tolerated; but who can resist money and muscle power? This is the last chance to deliver and emerge at the national level. I am a small fry to be – vocal for ‘loken’.